Exploring the uses of Experimental Archaeology in European Archaeological Open-Air Museums. A Critical Study

This thesis is a multi and interdisciplinary investigation on the intersection between different areas of research at multiple levels of inquiry. The focus is the intersection between research and public outreach through experimental archaeology in Archaeological Open-Air Museums (AOAMs). This intersection has proven to be problematic in the historical record. The primary purpose was to develop a best practice model at a European level which could meet the highest ethical standards in conjunction with constructive public participation using Citizen Science (CS) approaches. Theoretical level: considerable work was devoted to set a proper theoretical framework and the consequent methodology, with an inquiry across archaeology, life sciences, and social sciences. The theoretical framework is Critical Social Science. The study uses social sciences mixed methodologies (Case Study). Such a structured, new approach has produced interesting theoretical contributions. Methodological level: a new attempt to structure the use of integrated mixed methodologies in experimental archaeology has been outlined within the best practice model. Context level: an online survey was performed in 2018 with the purpose of mapping relational data about the dynamic under scrutiny, in full collaboration with EXARC international network. Once actors and locations were mapped, a pilot study was performed in 2019 using interviews and public observations (Ireland). Qualitative analysis delivered insights for the best practice model. Outputs: due to the Covid19 Pandemic and other restrictions, the best practice model could only be delivered at a theoretical level. Two spin offs of the research work were designed and disseminated using CS approaches: 1. ABADIR: to share the sounds from experimental archaeology and re-enactment (social praxis: integration of makers and researchers; research potential: sensory archaeology). 2. mapping extant ancient technology practices (social praxis: integration of makers and researchers; research potential: integration of classification, experiment, and taxonomy in archaeology).